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Coverage distance of the WLAN

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In an open environment, the coverage area of an AP is 100 m. When there are interference sources, such as microwave ovens, electromagnetic ovens, or other APs, near the AP, the coverage area decreases and the signal quality of the AP degrades.

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In an open environment, the coverage area of an AP is 100 m. When there are interference sources, such as microwave ovens, electromagnetic ovens, or other APs, near the AP, the coverage area decreases and the signal quality of the AP degrades.

WLANs can provide wireless coverage in the following target areas:
- Major coverage areas: places where many users need to access the Internet, such as dormitories, libraries, classrooms, hotel lobbies and guest rooms, meeting rooms, offices, and exhibition halls
- Minor coverage areas: places where few users need to access the Internet, such as washrooms, stairways, lifts, corridors, and kitchens
- Special coverage areas: places where WLAN access of users is allowed or prohibited

Depending on signal strength requirements on a WLAN, the field strength requirements are as follows:
- Hotspot field strength: The field strength in major coverage areas ranges from �?0 dBm to �?5 dBm. Field strength higher than �?5 dBm may cause receive overload, and field strength lower than�?0 dBm may reduce the network connection rate.
- Edge field strength: It is determined based on the receive sensitivity and edge bandwidth. Generally, the edge field strength is higher than �?5 dBm. The Internet access requirements can be met even if the network connection rate is reduced.
- Interference field strength: The co-channel interference strength in the same area should not exceed �?0 dBm.
- Leakage field strength: The leakage field strength 10 m away from a building should not exceed �?0 dBm.

Generally, the WLAN coverage range various according to the environment. When no external antenna is used, the WLAN coverage range is about 250 meters. In the semi-open space or the space with a compartment, the WLAN coverage range is about 35 to 50 meters. When external antennas are used, the WLAN coverage range increases with the antenna gain and is determined according to customer requirements. If an outdoor antenna and amplifier are used, the WLAN coverage range can reach up to several tens of kilometers.